Home Posts tagged Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women

Rep. Domb Honors Britt Ruhe at 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Awards

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Daily News

BOSTON — State Rep. Mindy Domb honored Britt Ruhe of Granby at the 2026 Commonwealth Heroine awards held at the Massachusetts State House.

Hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of women from communities across the Commonwealth for their invaluable efforts and acts of service. This year’s 147 honorees comprise the largest class to be awarded as Commonwealth Heroines.

Ruhe is a leader in the community and public art, dedicated to transforming shared spaces and strengthening civic connection through art. She is the founder and director of Common Wealth Murals, which has led to the creation of more than 100 murals across Western Mass. and beyond. Under her leadership, Common Wealth Murals has connected with thousands of adults, children, and artists to beautify public spaces.

Additionally, Ruhe has helped preserve the legacy of the Black Arts Movement in Massachusetts through collaboration with artists, scholars, and cultural institutions to restore historical murals and protect the AfriCOBRA Archive. She champions artists and creative processes to ensure every community sees itself reflected, honored, and empowered in shared spaces.

“I am so proud to nominate Britt Ruhe, executive director of Common Wealth Murals, as a Commonwealth Heroine for the 3rd Hampshire District,” Domb said. “Britt’s commitment to building community and belonging with public art and community engagement is a powerful force throughout Massachusetts. Her work is an inspiring example of what community-led public art initiatives can achieve. In these times, Britt’s effort to bring communities together in a common purpose to celebrate their identity, their history, and their legacy is a welcome and needed gift. As a community organizer, an artist, a trainer, and so much more, Britt is truly a Commonwealth Heroine.”

Reflecting on the award, Ruhe shared, “mural making is a very male-dominated field, but Common Wealth Murals is a team of almost all women who have created more than 100 murals working collaboratively with thousands of community members. So it is a total honor for our work to be recognized with the 2026 Commonwealth Heroine award. It is also a special honor to be recognized by Representative Domb, who is such a strong advocate for her district and all the good things happening across the region.”

Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Welcomes New Commissioners

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Daily News

BOSTON — Two new state commissioners have joined the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). The commission welcomes Giselle Byrd and Candace Pérez, both appointees of Gov. Maura Healey.

Giselle Byrd is executive director of the Theater Offensive, located in Boston, making her the first Black trans woman to lead a regional theatre company in the U.S. As a producer, she is the first transgender woman to be accepted into Through Her Lens: the Tribeca Chanel Women’s Filmmaker Program. Her documentary film debut, Giselle’s Story, directed by Susan O’Brien, was accepted into the Imagine This International Women’s Festival.

Byrd also serves on the board of directors at both Callen-Lorde Community Health Center and the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art. She is also the co-vice chair of the advisory board for the Ali Forney Center, and she was recently elected vice chair of the MCSW’s program and planning committee for the FY 2026 program year.

Pérez is a transformational leader, executive coach, and strategic consultant with a distinguished career spanning healthcare administration, public policy, workforce transformation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As founder and principal consultant of Iya of the North Consulting, she partners with executives, leadership teams, and organizations to drive meaningful change, elevate leadership effectiveness, and build inclusive, high-performing workplaces.

“These leaders bring a fresh perspective to the work of the MCSW with a diverse range of personal and professional experience,” Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt said. “The work and dedication of these two leaders will only enhance the commission’s ability to focus on our mission and agenda to impact change for all women and girls across the Commonwealth.”

UMass Amherst to Host Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Today

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Daily News

AMHERST — UMass Amherst will host the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for a hybrid public hearing today, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Old Chapel.

MCSW is seeking testimony on issues facing women, children, and families in the Hampshire-Franklin region. Public hearings are an opportunity for women across the Commonwealth to give testimony on issues that matter most to them and their families, which directly inform MCSW’s policy priorities.

“Our public hearings provide a safe and open space for all women in their communities to be heard and to share their lived experience and the issues that impact their daily lives,” MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt said. “The power of testimonies comes from sharing personal stories. Any subject surrounding issues that women face, or obstacles that hinder the ability for all women to experience equity, are welcome topics. The hearing is a public meeting and an opportunity to be yourself, to find others like you, and to share your story in a way that will positively influence the work that we do on behalf of all women in the Commonwealth. The MCSW works to create change in the lives of women, and your narratives guide our policy and advocacy platform.”

MCSW commissioners are appointed by the governor, Senate president, speaker of the House, and Caucus of Women Legislators. The organization is responsible for studying, reviewing, and reporting on the status of women in the Commonwealth, and are charged with advising executive and legislative bodies on the effects of proposed legislation on women.

Those interested in attending virtually or in person are asked to register by clicking here. If you are a deaf or hard-of-hearing person with a disability who requires an accommodation or are someone who would benefit from language interpretation in a language other than English, indicate that need on the registration form (click here). MCSW will also stream this hearing live on Facebook (click here).

Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2024 Announced

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Daily News

BOSTON — Each year, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) partners with state legislators to identify women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and in their communities. This week, the MSCW announced the full list of awardees and their nominating legislators.

Each elected official is encouraged to submit one woman from their constituency who is making a big difference in their community but not necessarily making the news, as a means of recognizing their invaluable efforts and extraordinary acts of service. This year, the class of 2024 Commonwealth Heroines comprises more than 125 women from across the state, leaders in industry, business, nonprofits, advocacy, and more.

The MCSW will be celebrating the 21st annual Commonwealth Heroines on Friday, June 14 at the Gardner Auditorium at the Massachusetts State House. Opening remarks will be made by MCSW Chairwoman Sarah Glenn-Smith, followed by recognition of all 125 honorees and the 2024 MCSW Scholarship award winners in celebration of the organization’s 25th anniversary.

The 2024 Commonwealth Heroines from Western Mass., and their nominating legislators, are as follows:

Berkshire County

• Darlene Rodowicz, Pittsfield (nominated by state Rep. John Barrett III)

• Christine Ward, Great Barrington (nominated by state Rep. Smitty Pignatelli)

Franklin County

• Pamela Adams, Greenfield (co-nominated by state Rep. Natalie Blais and state Sen. Jo Comerford)

Hampden County

• Jessica Avery, Chicopee (nominated by state Rep. Shirley Arriaga)

• Amy Baxter, Longmeadow (nominated by state Rep. Brian Ashe)

• Roseanne Caracciolo, Feeding Hills (nominated by state Sen. John Velis)

• Christine Goonan, Wilbraham (nominated by state Rep. Angelo Puppolo)

• Emurriel Holloway, Springfield (nominated by state Rep. Bud Williams)

• Judith Matt, Springfield (nominated by state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez)

• Laura Rooney, Ludlow (nominated by state Sen. Jacob Oliveria)

• Pat Voisine, Springfield (nominated by state Rep. Orlando Ramos)

• Rose Webster-Smith, Springfield (nominated by state Sen. Adam Gomez)

Hampshire County

• Alisa Klein, Leeds (nominated by state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa)

• Henia Lewin, Amherst (nominated by state Rep. Mindy Domb)

• Amanda Milazzo, Easthampton (nominated by state Rep. Daniel Carey)

Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Launches Scholarship

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) announced the launch of a new scholarship program that aims to support emerging leaders of the Commonwealth to continue their education journey to leadership and economic empowerment.

The MCSW mission is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women and girls across Massachusetts and to innovatively promote and empower the women of the Commonwealth. Designed to support woman-identifying students already enrolled in a Massachusetts public higher-education institution, scholarships will be available to help individuals complete their degree.

“This new program seeks to provide funding for women students, who may not be able to access scholarship and grant funding typically available to more traditional students, to continue their education and path to economic success,” said MCSW State Commissioner Denella Clark, who chairs the new scholarship committee.

The MCSW will award five individuals with scholarships of $5,000 each for the 2024-25 academic year. Applicants must complete the online application and submit supporting materials no later than March 1. Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited degree or certificate program in Massachusetts and have completed at least one year toward their degree. The funds from this scholarship will go toward tuition, fees, books, and related supplies or equipment for study. All funds awarded are provided by the MCSW trust fund. Click here to learn more and apply.

Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women to Host Advocacy Day on May 31

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Daily News

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is slated to host its annual Advocacy Day on Wednesday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each May, the commission welcomes hundreds of community activists to the State House to rally behind legislation that increases women’s access to opportunities and equality.

“Advocacy Day has always been a very powerful day for the state and regional commissions,” MCSW Chairwoman Sarah Glenn-Smith said. “It’s a chance to come together and not only really be heard, but be seen, to speak with legislators about issues that affect us, our families, and our community. We hope that you join us to learn about the legislative progress, our legislative priorities, and how we can move the needle for women across the Commonwealth together.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and will be the first in-person Advocacy Day in more than three years. This day comes on the heels of the MCSW announcing its 2023-24 policy priorities for the 193rd legislative session (click here). At the event, the commission will also discuss key findings from public hearings conducted with women throughout the past year across the Commonwealth.

For more information, contact MCSW at (617) 626-6520 or [email protected]. Click here to register here directly.